The ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas is one of the most popular ways that travelers choose to reach the archipelago. As it makes it possible to enjoy a day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, it seems like a great option. However, it’s not always what tourists expect it to be.
In this guide, we’re going to explain why you should skip the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas. We’ll also highlight an alternative to the traditional one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale.
Read on to get started!
A private-class plane is much more comfortable than the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas.
Ferry From Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas: Why You Should Skip It
Destination Matters
The Bahamas has 700 unique and beautiful islands, all of which are worth visiting. However, given their proximity to the surrounding area, some islands have become bigger tourist draws than others.
Bimini and Freeport are two such islands. While both showcase the beauty that makes the Bahamas famous, they’ve become over-commercialized, with parts of them becoming tourist traps. Visiting them on the ferry to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale, therefore, makes it difficult to appreciate the authentic nature of the country.
If you’re looking to know what the Bahamas are really about, you’ll need to visit a more remote site, like Exuma. Unfortunately, the standard ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas can’t take you there. But a plane can take you to the Exuma Swimming Pigs and other top sites!
To see the Exuma Swimming Pigs, you’ll need to skip the ferry to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale.
A Time Waster
While the ferry companies might not mention it on their websites, the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas doesn’t just require a quick cruise over to the country. It’s a voyage that takes a couple of hours – and even longer, in certain weather conditions.
Something else you’ll have to factor into the travel time is the time spent at the ferry terminal. Given the number of people you share the vessel with, many tour companies recommend arriving at 6 am, three hours before departure. Waking up at the crack of dawn isn’t something that most people envision when they think of the Miami to Bahamas ferry.
The lengthy travel time and hours spent awaiting departure are some of the biggest detriments to the one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Once you finally reach your destinations, you’re left with little more than a couple of hours to explore before needing to head back.
One of Many
As mentioned, the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas is a popular way to visit the country. This means that if you’re looking for a personalized experience, you’re probably not going to get it traveling by boat.
The ferry to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale can hold hundreds of people. Because of that, the tour companies see you as little more than a number, as they have scores of other numbers to keep track of.
Once you arrive in the Bahamas, you also won’t have the opportunity to choose what to sightsee. You get dropped off at some of the most touristy sites on the island, and from there, you’re on your own.
Compare: PLANE vs FERRY
- Bahamas Day Trip by Plane
- $949per person
- Fly to Exuma Islands
- Stunning Aerial Views
- Visits 7 Exuma Attractions
- Guaranteed Small Group Size
- Weather Cancellation Rare
- Inclusive Pricing
- Private Upgrades Available
- 5-Star Reviews
- Bahamas Day Trip by Ferry
- $300per person
- Ferry to Freeport
- 3 hour journey, each way
- Does not visit Swimming Pigs
- 600+ People per Ferry
- Frequent Cancellation
- Price is Transport only, no Tour included
- No Private Options
- Very poor Reviews
One Day Cruise From Fort Lauderdale Alternative: Air Travel
As mentioned, the good news is that you aren’t stuck taking the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas any longer. More and more tourists are beginning to appreciate the benefits of traveling to the Bahamas by plane.
Traveling by plane lets you avoid the crowds, sharing your plane with just several other passengers. If you want a completely private experience, you can even charter a flight. That, combined with the spectacular views outside the window, makes the experience much more comfortable.
Skipping the Miami to Bahamas ferry lets you enjoy views like this.
Air travel also lets you reach some of the top sites in the country. When you sign up for a Pig Island tour, you’ll fly out to Exuma, one of the most exquisite areas in the archipelago.
Day Trip to Bahamas From Fort Lauderdale: Sites to Visit
While the famous Exuma Pigs might be the highlight of skipping the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas, Pig Island isn’t the only site you get to visit. You can also look forward to visiting:
- Compass Cay, home to nurse sharks you can swim with
- Bitter Guana Cay, home to endangered iguanas
- Thunderball Grotto, a system of underwater caves perfect for snorkeling
- An underwater plane wreck, another great snorkeling site
- Pipe Creek, which features incredible sandbars
- Staniel Cay, the tropical paradise you fly into and the gateway to the Exumas
Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay is one of many Exuma highlights.
Miami to Bahamas Ferry: Enjoy a Better Option
While the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas might be popular, it’s far from the best way to reach the island nation. That award goes to air travel, which is convenient, comfortable, and lets you visit some of the best destinations in the country.
Enjoying a one day cruise from Fort Lauderdale that travels by plane lets you see the Exuma Pigs, picturesque sandbars, nurse sharks, and so much more.
Sign up for a day trip to Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale today to enjoy the very best of the Bahamas!
